Bureaucratic Standoff: U.S. Contraceptives Stuck in Belgium Await Incineration
U.S.-funded contraceptives valued at $10 million are stuck in a Belgian warehouse because local authorities have not received a necessary request for their incineration. The U.S. decided to destroy the supplies following rejected offers to donate them to impoverished countries. Diplomatic negotiations continue, seeking resolution.
The fate of U.S.-funded contraceptives, estimated at nearly $10 million, currently rests in a Belgian warehouse awaiting destruction. Local authorities have yet to receive a formal request to allow their incineration, mandated under regional law.
Despite Washington's decision to destroy the contraceptives, intended exports to poverty-stricken nations were dismissed, as confirmed by the U.S. State Department. The supplies, which include implants, pills, and intrauterine devices, remain in limbo in Geel, Antwerp Province.
The Flemish Environment Ministry, steadfast in its stance, demands a formal waiver to bypass their incineration ban. Belgian officials are exploring legal options to resolve this issue, alongside diplomatic conversations with the U.S., though Washington is yet to respond to inquiries.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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